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Imagery

What is imagery?

The mind is a powerful healing tool. Imagery (visualization) has used the power of the mind with different therapies for centuries.

By creating images in your mind, you can reduce pain and other symptoms linked to your condition. The more detailed the image, the more helpful it will likely be. People are taught to imagine sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or other sensations. This creates a kind of daydream that removes them from their current situation. It can also give them a sense of control over their condition.

Imagery often includes a program with certain aims and goals. You are guided to visualize your goals and work toward them.

Types of imagery

Two imagery methods are widely used today:

Palming. This is about visualizing color. Put your palms over your eyes. Then picture the color you think of with stress. This is often the color red. Then change the color to a more relaxing color, such as blue. It is thought that changing colors in the mind helps you relax.

Guided imagery. This involves thinking of a certain goal to help cope with health problems. Guided imagery is most often used as a relaxation method. For this you may sit or lie quietly and imagine yourself in a favorite peaceful setting. This may be a beach, meadow, or forest. Imagery is often guided by direct suggestion from a qualified imagery provider. Imagery can also be used to support the healing process for people with cancer. This can take many forms. One popular method is to imagine small Pac-Man figures running all over the body and eating bad cancer cells.

Does it work?

Studies have shown that imagery can help the mind and body relax. It has also been shown to help: